Henrico County to pick up tab for teachers to learn reading

English teachers are good at teaching grammar and literature, the article says, but that doesn’t help when students are only reading on a third-grade level. Teacher preparation programs typically only require one course in reading; that isn’t enough to meet the demands of struggling students. Nyah Hamlett, assistant superintendent for instructional support, explain that in an effort to increase state standardized tests scores in middle school, the county has partnered with VCU to help teachers increase skills in this high-needs area. The county has agreed to pay teachers’ tuition costs for a reading-instruction program.

Similar to what other counties have done, this program allows teachers to earn a master’s or post-master’s certification in reading in exchange for a three-year commitment to the county upon completion. The program will result in implementing two reading coaches who will provide specialized instruction in four of the five middle schools who are struggling with accreditation. The county hopes to begin a similar program for math.